The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution urging the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) and its agency-members to submit their plans of action in preparation for the “Big One,” a major earthquake feared to cripple Metro Manila.

House Resolution No. 1938 seeks to spur the NDRRMC and other concerned agencies into action after a House inquiry revealed that government preparations for a major earthquake are lacking.

Under the measure, the Metro Manila Development Authority is urged to spearhead a massive public information campaign to educate the residents, businesses, and government sectors on how they must get ready for the earthquake and its after-effects.

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) through its Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is tasked with the establishment of a roadmap for a safe and resilient Metro Manila using specific, accurate, and up-to-date information on existing vulnerabilities and risk reduction and management measures.

The resolution also urges the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct an engineering audit of the structural integrity and reliability of Metro Manila buildings.

A 2004 study by the MMDA and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) showed that the West Valley Fault traversing Metro Manila is ripe for a magnitude- 7.2 earthquake.

The fault last had a major movement in 1658 or 360 years ago. Since the fault generates a major earthquake roughly every 400 years, there is a possibility that a major earthquake could happen soon.

The 2004 study estimated that 33,000 people will die while 150,000 will be injured in case the much feared “Big One” happens.

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